The Los Angeles Rams have traded offensive tackle Greg Robinson, a former No. 2 overall pick, to the Detroit Lions for a 2018 sixth-round pick. Robinson was considered a big-time draft bust, failing to live up to his expectations when the Rams took him second overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. Last season, Robinson was partly to blame for the Rams struggle on offense. They placed 32nd in the league in scoring with 14.0 points per game and total yards with 262.7 yards per outing. The Lions agreed to a trade with the Rams to fill their need for an offensive tackle after starter Taylor Decker suffered a shoulder injury and will be out for four to six months after surgery.
The Lions are hoping that Robinson could finally show his potential with a change in scenery. Robinson played 46 games for the Rams last season, including 42 starts as a blindside protector.
Robinson a stop-game measure for Lions
The Lions could use Robinson as a temporary left tackle whom they could release before the regular season starts if he continues to struggle. Aside from acquiring Robinson, the Lions signed former Bills offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio, who was also a bust during his time in Buffalo. Robinson and Kouandjio will battle Joe Dahl for the starting job of protecting Matthew Stafford’s blind side. Robinson has an edge over Kouandjio in the competition as the latter isn't ready to practice just yet due to a hip injury.
The Lions released snapper Jimmy Landes and tackle Arturo Uzdavinis to make room for Robinson and Kouandjio on the roster.
Matthew Stafford not worried about contracts of other QBs
Matthew Stafford said he’s not worried about the possible huge deals that will be signed by fellow quarterbacks Kirk Cousins of the Washington Redskins and Derek Carr of the Oakland Raiders.
“I’m not too worried about what those guys do," Stafford said after Day 2 of the Lions minicamp. Stafford, like Cousins and Carr, is in line to sign a contract that will eclipse the five-year, $123-million extension that Andrew Luck signed last year with the Indianapolis Colts.
The Redskins have placed the franchise tag on Cousins earlier this year, assuring him of a $23.94 million salary for the season.
The sides have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal with Cousins holding the negotiating leverage over the Redskins. Carr, for his part, has given the Raiders until the start of training camp as his unofficial deadline for signing a new deal.
